Properties of Matter (Middle School)

In Part 1 of the physical science module, Properties of Matter, students investigate the density of solids, liquids, and gases. They construct simple thermometers and use them to investigate the effect of heat on the density of water and air. Students then observe the changes that occur when different substances are heated. They investigate the phase changes in heated water as well as conservation of mass when ice is melted. Part 1 ends with a short assessment in which students use their own measurements to identify a mystery substance.

Students start Part 2 by using their own ideas to determine whether samples are mixtures or pure substances, and then investigate solutions as an example of a mixture and solubility in water. Students also conduct inquiries using filtration, evaporation, and chromatography. Changes in volume, conservation of mass, and the effect of solutes on melting and boiling points are also investigated. Part 2 ends with students determining some of the characteristic properties of the substances that make up a mixture.

In Part 3, students discover that water can be split into its component elements by electrolysis. They then examine elements and analyze information provided on a series of element cards to classify 25 elements into groups and compare these groups with their position on the Periodic Table. Students next look at the formation of a compound by observing the reaction of a metal and a nonmetal. They then investigate the reactivity of different metals and the conservation of mass during chemical reactions. Part 3 ends with an assessment of students' ability to apply the concept of conservation of mass to dissolving and phase change. Throughout the module, students investigate the relationship between characteristic properties of substances and their use in manufacturing.

Additional Photos

Properties of Matter Lesson Sequence (pdf)

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Sponsorship Opportunity

Sponsor the Properties of Matter unit! Please contact Lori Kaufman, development director, about this and other sponsorship opportunities. You can reach her at 920-884-8800 or lori@einsteinproject.org.